WWE Raw on the USA Network
Aired live on March 2, 2020 from Brooklyn, New York at Barclays Center
The Raw opening video kicked off the show… Pyro shot off on the stage and then the broadcast team of Tom Phillips, Jerry Lawler, and Byron Saxton checked in and hyped previously advertised matches and segments. They noted that the Raw Tag Title match would be the first match of the night…
WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman made their entrance. Heyman introduced Lesnar and then said, “I’m sorry, I can’t do it.” He said it was their job to come out and hype the fans on WrestleMania. Heyman said it’s the most stacked WrestleMania lineup in decades, but the main event is a sham. Fans booed.
Heyman said the fans could sit there like Pavlovian dogs, but they know, Lesnar knows, and he knows that “they” want to sell you on Drew McIntyre. “And ladies and gentlemen, Drew McIntyre is a hyped up fraud,” Heyman said. He recalled how Lesnar “massacred” 15 wrestlers in the Rumble.
Heyman said Ricochet low-blowed Lesnar with a shot from behind and that’s why McIntyre was able to deliver the Claymore Kick that eliminated Lesnar from the match. Heyman asked how McIntyre eliminating Lesnar from the Rumble tells viewers that McIntyre can pin or submit Lesnar. “He can’t,” Heyman said before adding that McIntyre took advantage of a momentary situation. Heyman said McIntyre is nothing more than a “stupid big bitch that’s going to get squashed.”
Drew McIntyre’s music played and he made his entrance in his ring gear. Heyman left the ring. McIntyre glared at a smirking Lesnar once he entered the ring and went face to face with him. Lesnar smiled and wagged his finger at McIntyre and his title belt. Lesnar teased leaving, then charged McIntyre, who put him down with a Claymore Kick. McIntyre left the ring while Lesnar remained down. McIntyre went to the stage and smiled while Heyman checked on Lesnar.
Heyman acted shocked while Lesnar struggled to get to his feet. Fans chanted “you deserve it” at Lesnar. Lesnar seethed as he grabbed his title belt and rolled under the ropes. Lesnar sat on the ring apron for a bit, then leaned Heyman as he got to his feet. The fans sang the “goodbye song” at Lesnar, who eventually made his way to the stage.
McIntyre ran out again and put Lesnar down with another Claymore Kick. McIntyre picked up the WWE Championship belt and raised it over his head. Fans cheered. McIntyre tossed the belt back at Lesnar. Fans chanted one more time. McIntyre obliged once Lesnar got back on his feet by putting him right back down with a third Claymore Kick. A “holy shit” chant broke out followed by a brief “Drew” chant. Lesnar was still down and clutching his title belt going into the first commercial break.
Segment Review: WOW! What a Segment. McIntyre deserves to defeat Lesnar at Wrestlemania. He was booked strong as ever. I am happy Lesnar decided to take the beating in the segment. Drew McIntyre was booked very strong. I hope we see a title change at Wrestlemania. This was one of the best segments in 2020.
The Street Profits made their entrance for the Raw Tag Title match. A number of fans held up the red cups that the Profits are known for, and the Profits walked through the crowd as part of their entrance. The broadcast team said the Profits had to win or they would not get future tag title shots. They played up the question of what their purpose would be if they couldn’t challenge for the tag titles.
The Profits delivered an in-ring promo. Ford played to the Brooklyn crowd and spoke about how long he and Dawkins have been working. He said the fight is over if “the Monday Night Pariah and Murph the Smurf” (ugh) win. They want the smoke. Seth Rollins and Murphy made their entrance along with AOP, who remained on the stage while Rollins and Murphy headed to the ring.
Ring announcer Mike Rome delivered in-ring introductions for the title match and said it was the Profits’ final opportunity at the Raw Tag Titles. AOP were still on the stage. Rollins and Murphy attacked the Profits, who quickly cleared them from the ring. Ford performed a flip dive onto Rollins and Murphy, who caught him and ran him into the barricade heading into a picture in picture break.
Seth Rollins and Murphy vs. “The Street Profits” Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins for the Raw Tag Titles.
The match started during the break with Dawkins fighting solo while Ford was still down at ringside. Rollins and Murphy used their numbers advantage and were on the offensive throughout the break.
Dawkins was dumped to ringside and ended up performing moves on both opponents at ringside. Ford returned to his corner. Dawkins tagged in Ford, who performed a flip dive onto Rollins and Murphy at ringside. In the ring, Ford performed a high cross body block from the top rope onto both opponents. Ford sent Murphy to ringside and then performed a DDT and a standing moonsault on Rollins for a two count.
The champions came back and hit a Buckle Bomb into a kick in the corner combo move on Ford. They tried the same thing a short time later, but Ford slipped out and Murphy accidentally kicked Rollins. Ford put Rollins down with a kick, then went up top. Rollins cut off Ford and pushed him to ringside.
Rollins motioned for AOP to come to ringside and tried to distract the referee. The ref turned and spotted AOP near the challengers and ejected AOP from ringside. AOP stood on the apron and joined the protest. With the referee distracted, Kevin Owens suck into the ring and put Rollins down with a Stunner. Owens left the ring and headed out through the crowd while AOP chased him. Ford hit a top rope frogsplash on Rollins and pinned him.
The Street Profits defeated Seth Rollins and Murphy in 7:40 to win the Raw Tag Titles.
Ford and Dawkins took their title win celebration into the crowd while Rollins and Murphy were shown looking dejected at ringside. The broadcast team hyped the previously advertised matches for later in the show…
Match Review: 2.5/5. I didn’t expect a title change. Nice Match up with Popular The Street Profits defeating the heels although there was interference from Kevin Owens. The Street Profits are a very talented Tag Team and should be able to carry the Raw Tag Team Championship gracefully. It appears that they will retain the championship at Elimination Chambers but anything can happen in WWE. (Vince’s Voice)
Rollins was limping backstage and getting some help from Murphy when Charly Caruso approached them for an interview. Rollins said he and Murphy would take on the Street Profits and take back their tag titles at Elimination Chamber. Rollins said Owens could name the time, place, and stipulation and said that Owens will be crucified.
Riddick Moss vs. Ricochet for the WWE 24/7 Championship
Moss’s entrance was not televised. Ricochet had his right thigh wrapped. Phillips noted that the normal rules of the 24/7 Championship were suspended during the title match. Ricochet was turned inside out by a shoulder block. Saxton said that Moss is the longest reigning 24/7 Champion with a whopping 22-day reign. Moss performed a fallaway slam that sent Ricochet over the top rope to ringside. Ricochet’s mouth was bleeding going into a break.
Ricochet caught Moss seated on the top rope and performed a huracanrana. Ricochet followed up with a standing shooting star press for a two count. A short time later, Moss tossed Ricochet into the air and swatted him with his first on the way down. Moss followed up with a variation of a neckbreaker and scored the pin…
Riddick Moss pinned Ricochet in 8:30 to retain the WWE 24/7 Championship.
Match Review: 2/5. Fine Match but Oh Ricochet.. He is a talented chap. STOP BURYING HIM. He didn’t deserve to job to Riddick Moss tonight.
The OC was shown hanging out in their locker room while the broadcast team hyped AJ Styles vs. Aleister Black as coming up next. An ad for Smackdown questioned what Bray Wyatt would have to say to John Cena on a new Firefly Funhouse.
The Kabuki Warriors were shown backstage while the broadcast team hyped Kairi Sane’s match with Shayna Baszler for later in the show
The OC made their entrance and then a video package recapped Undertaker beating AJ Styles to win the Tuwaiq Trophy at WWE Super ShowDown.
Styles stood in the ring and said he wasn’t in a good mood. He said he should holding the beautiful trophy, but Undertaker deprived him of it. The fans chanted for Taker. Styles set up a video of actor Mark Wahlberg advising Styles to walk away.
Styles bitched about getting advice from Marky Mark, which led to a Marky Mark chant. Styles said he hoped Taker was watching and takes what he was about to do to Aleister Black as a warning. Styles said Taker is a legend who is trying to hold onto something that isn’t his anymore. Black made his entrance. Just before the referee was about to call for the bell, Styles said Black didn’t read the contract. He said that the contract read that if Black wants to get to him, he has to go through Karl Anderson.
3. Aleister Black vs. Karl Anderson (w/AJ Styles, Luke Gallows). Black quickly dumped Anderson to ringside and then dropkicked Gallows through the ropes. Black went to ringside and dropped Anderson with a kick. Black shot a look at Styles going into a break. [C] Black hit a Black Mass kick and scored the pin.
Aleister Black beat Karl Anderson in 5:45.
Styles entered the ring and announced that Black had to go through Gallows too. Gallows attacked Black from behind and worked him over before throwing him into the ring. The ref checked on Black and called for the bell to start the match…
Aleister Black vs. Luke Gallows (w/AJ Styles, Karl Anderson)
Styles boasted to the fans at ringside that they had the match in the bag. Gallows tossed Black to ringside heading into PIP break. Gallows blew off the referee’s five count while working over Black in the corner and was disqualified. Anderson and Gallows hit the Magic Killer.
Aleister Black beat Luke Gallows by DQ in 5:35.
AJ Styles (w/Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) vs. Aleister Black
Styles dominated the weary Black to start. Black got a couple of kicks in, but Styles came back with a backbreaker and a brainbuster. Styles performed a Phenomenal Forearm, then folded the arms of Black over his chest in Undertaker style while pinning him.
AJ Styles beat Aleister Black in 2:40.
Match Review: 2/5. I was looking forward to a Classic AJ Styles vs Aleister Black but we got to see a Gauntlet Setup. I hope we get to see Black Vs Styles soon without any interference. They both are capable of delivering an instant 20 minutes. classic.
Caruso interviewed Ruby Riott on the backstage interview set about facing Liv Morgan with Sarah Logan as guest referee. Riott said people make and break promises constantly. She said the only person she’s responsible for is herself. She said she will prove her ability to strike whenever she pleases on Sunday and noted that there are no friends inside the Elimination Chamber…
Liv Morgan made her entrance heading into a break. Phillips hyped Jeff Hardy for WWE Backstage. Becky Lynch was shown talking to a random guy backstage… Ruby Riott’s entrance was televised.
Ruby Riott vs. Liv Morgan
Sarah Logan wore a referee shirt without sleeves. Morgan performed an early missile dropkick and slammed Riott’s face into the mat, which led to a two count. Riott applied an arm submission and jawed at Morgan. A short time later, Logan had to scold Riott for not listening to her. Riott performed a Flatliner on Morgan and covered her. Morgan kicked out and Riott hit Logan, who wasn’t pleased. Riott followed up with another move and made the cover, but Logan was late getting there. Riott shoved her. Morgan rolled up Riott, then Logan made a fast count.
Liv Morgan beat Ruby Riott in 4:35.
After the match, Riott got in the face of Logan, who shoved her to the mat. Morgan ran over and kicked Riott, then Logan kicked Morgan…
Match Review: 1/5. It was more like a Segment. Liv Morgan is gorgeous. The build up to Elimination Chamber has been below par. Hope they make up soon.
Randy Orton was shown standing backstage in a dark area while Phillips hyped Beth Phoenix’s appearance. An ad aired for NXT and focused on Velveteen Dream vs. Roderick Strong and Tegan Nox vs. Dakota Kai in cage matches for Wednesday’s show.
A graphic noted that Goldberg’s Universal Championship victory photo was the most liked photo on WWE’s Instagram page of all-time… The broadcast team set up a video package that recapped the Edge and Randy Orton drama…
No Way Jose and his goof troop were doing their conga line dance when they spotted Erick Rowan. Jose politely asked Rowan if they could see what was in the cage. Rowan said he was just waiting for someone to be respectful and ask him nice. Rowan pulled a giant spider out of the cage, which caused Jose and his goofs to run away…
Segment Review: A Spider inside the Cage? This is 2020 and we expect WWE to behave like it is 2020.
The broadcast team recapped the Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar angle from the top of the show.
Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane (w/Asuka)
Phillips noted that Asuka was nursing a left wrist injury and was replaced by Sane in this match. Asuka and Sane did their usual pre-match Japanese/English combo promo along with a lot of laughing before Baszler made her entrance.
Phillips noted that Baszler and Sane had history in NXT, but he did not elaborate. He instead put over her submission success in MMA fights. Baszler was in control early. Sane slapped her. Baszler got hot. Sane got a little offense in and then taunted Baszler by slapping her own ass.
Baszler came back with a spinebuster and then glared at Asuka. Baszler stomped the left ankle of Sane and then wrenched on it. Baszler continued to look at Asuka. Sane went to ringside and was comforted by Sane before returning to the ring. Baszler twisted the ankle of Sane, then removed her ponytail and stomped the ankle area again while Asuka threw a fit. Sane rolled up a distracted Baszler, who kicked out and then put Sane back down with a kick.
Becky Lynch made her entrance and held up the Raw Women’s Championship while standing on the stage. Baszler tossed Sane to ringside and then glared at Lynch going into a break. [C] Lynch was on commentary with a yellow jacket, wild shades, and Lawler’s crown on her head.
Sane caught Baszler with a spear and then went up top and went for her Insane Elbow, but Baszler put her feet up. Baszler applied her Kirifuda Clutch finisher and got the submission win.
Shayna Baszler defeated Kairi Sane in 12:50.
After the match, Baszler reapplied the submission hold. Lynch stood at the broadcast table and yelled that she didn’t have her wrestling boots on but she would fight Baszler.
Match Review: 2/5. They tried their best. Nice Match. I hope the crowd gets behind the very talented Kairi Sane.
Sarah Schreiber interviewed Rey Mysterio and Humberto Carrillo at the Gorilla Position set. Mysterio put over Carrillo as a competitor who keeps getting back up no matter how many times he’s put down. Carrillo spoke briefly in Spanish. Mysterio said the whole issue with them and the team of Andrade and Angel Garza would end when and how they want it to end. Mysterio made his entrance. They cut to a POP break and that’s when Carrillo, Andrade and Zelina Vega, and Garcia made their entrances.
Angel Garza and Andrade (w/Zelina Vega) vs. Rey Mysterio and Humberto Carrillo
Phillips hyped SummerSlam tickets going on sale starting Friday. Carrillo performed a big flip dive onto Andrade on the floor heading into a break.
Carrillo was isolated by the heels. Mysterio took a hot tag and had a nice offensive flurry on Andrade that was capped off with a DDT for a near fall. Carrillo tagged in and tried to dive onto Andrade at ringside, but he crashed and burned into the barricade.
Mysterio went for a 619 on Garza, who blocked it and then slid Rey over to the corner and threw knees at his side. Mysterio came back and hit a sunset bomb and had the pin, but Andrade broke it up. Andrade checked in and performed two of the Three Amigos. Mysterio slipped away from the third and gagged in Carrillo, who performed a nice missile dropkick on Andrade.
Carrillo went up top, but Andrade cut him off. Andrade performed the running double knees on Carrillo in the corner and had the pin, but Mysterio broke it up. Garza ran in and was flipped into the corner by Mysterio, who did the same to Andrade, and then performed a double 619. Mysterio performed a hurcanrana on Garza at ringside. Carrillo performed a moonsault on Andrade in the ring and scored the pin…
Rey Mysterio and Humberto Carrillo defeated Angel Garza and Andrade in 19:40.
Match Review: 3.5/5. Amazing Match. Went a little too long but the performance was up to the mark. Rey Mysterio hasn’t lost a step.
Beth Phoenix was shown walking backstage.
The broadcast team officially announced The Street Profits vs. Rollins and Murphy for the Raw Tag Titles, and Aleister Black vs. AJ Styles in a No DQ match.
Beth Phoenix made her entrance. She stood in the ring and said she was there to give a medical update on Edge. Randy Orton’s entrance music played and he headed to the ring in his gear. Orton stepped onto the apron and sighed, then slowly climbed between the ropes.
Orton approached Phoenix and reached out for a hug. When she didn’t reciprocate, Orton offered her a handshake. Phoenix shot him a look of disbelief and called him a son of a bitch for what he did to her husband Edge. Orton went to a corner of the ring and sat on the top rope. Phoenix said she thought she might see him and it’s great because if anyone needs to hear what she had to say it was him.
Phoenix said she was there was a wife because she needs her husband. She said she was there as a mother because her children deserve their father. “Maybe there are possibilities…” Phoenix said before Orton dropped from the ropes and approached her in the ring.
Orton took the mic and said there are no possibilities, it’s a certainty that Edge will never wrestle again. Orton said he owed her an explanation and he was going to give her one. Orton recalled WWE having a live event in 1999 in St. Louis. He recalled his father bringing him because he was 19 and wanted to get into the business.
Orton said that he was just a fan at the time and raved about seeing Steve Austin, Shawn Michaels, Mick Foley, and Davey Boy Smith. He said Edge was the one man who came up to his father and showed his respect. He recalled Edge telling his father that he was one of the best bad guys in the history of the business and one of the reasons he wanted to become a wrestler.
Orton said his father introduced him to Edge and told him that Randy hoped to break into the business. Orton said Edge looked at him with sincerity and said maybe they could work together in the ring if he played his cards right. Orton said he never forgot it and it gave him a confidence boost. Orton recalled he and Edge working against one another and eventually becoming tag champions as Rated RKO.
Orton said they were riding high until he got a little too close to the sun and made some bad life choices. Orton said he should have been buried in it, but Edge pulled him out of the hole and made him realize there’s more to life such as kids and family. Orton spoke of teaching his sons how to be men and teaching his daughters how a man should treat a woman.
Orton said he gets goosebumps when he thinks of Edge returning at the Royal Rumble. Orton said he realized the next night that Edge thought that he was back for good. Orton said he knew better. He said someone like him would put Edge in a wheelchair or worse to make a name for themselves. Orton said it’s thanks to him that Edge will be there for his daughters.
“I did it because I love Edge, I love you, and I love your two little girls,” Orton said. “Here’s the sad truth. Everybody blames me for what I did to Edge. Everybody thinks it was my fault, but you know deep down in your heart, you know with every shred of your being that it’s not my fault, Beth, it’s your fault. You are an enabler.”
Orton said Edge is a junkie for the roar of the crowd and Phoenix did nothing to stop it or to help him. Orton said he had to step in and do what he did to make sure Edge could be a father to their daughters Lyric and Ruby. Phoenix got emotional.
Orton said that he realized that he loves Edge and their daughters more than Phoenix ever could. “Truth hurts, don’t it?” said Orton. Phoenix slapped Orton across the face. Orton threw his microphone down. Phoenix stood her ground as Orton slowly raised his head and looked her in the eye.
“You’re a bitch,” Orton said off-mic. Phoenix kicked Orton, who responded with an RKO. Orton left Phoenix lying in the ring as he stormed up the ramp and headed backstage. They cut to a shot of a shocked fan, then held an odd long distance shot of a pocket of fans before going to the broadcast team.
Saxton said Orton is a son of a bitch for what he did and said it was completely uncalled for. Phillips said it was horrific and he didn’t even know where to begin. Highlights of the kick and the RKO were then replayed.
Segment Review: Heel Orton is the Best Randy Orton available. Fantastic Promo by Orton. He was in a classy heel mode. Beth Phoenix spoke from her heart. She is arguably the best Women Wrestler ever. Orton’s RKO was brutal and Phoenix sold it well. Overall I look forward to Edge Vs Orton at Wrestlemania. This may very well be the best built match for this year’s Grand Daddy of them All.
Natalya, R-Truth, Rey Mysterio, Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, and others checked on Phoenix. Former “Edgeheads” Ryder and Hawkins were wearing Edge t-shirts. They replayed the final moments of the angle again. Phoenix sat up and held the back of her neck while the trainer, wrestlers, and producers tended to her as the show went off the air
Monday Night Raw Review: 7.5/10
- Good Raw with Strong Opening Segment followed up with a surprising Title Change.
- Happy to see The Street Profits Holding the Tag Team Gold
- Women’s Match was a Yawn Fest.
- Rey Mysterio is still able to wrestle long matches in style. Angel Garza and Andrade (w/Zelina Vega) vs. Rey Mysterio and Humberto Carrillo was a good tag team match although I feel it went a little too long. Is Andrade being buried due to wellness violation? Maybe. But I look forward to what’s next.
- Next time they’re booked, it should be AJ Styles Vs Black- 20 minutes match. Vince, Please?
- The End was Strong with Randy Orton in full heel mode. He delivered one of the best promo in his career. Beth was good on Mic and the entire segment was very well booked.
TOP 3 Stars of the show
- Randy Orton (For his intense Promo)
- Drew McIntyre (He was booked stronger than ever. We don’t often see Brock Lesnar making anyone else look strong)
- Brock Lesnar (He proved he still has the capability to make others look strong. I hope Lesnar puts Drew over at Wrestlemania)
Paul Heyman was perfect on Mic as usual. He is probably the best non wrestling part of WWE. Beth Pheonix was good defending her husband. She sold the RKO brilliantly.
Liked our coverage? Download our Mobile App Now to stay updated in 50+ Categories. We go live from all six continents, everyday, 24 hours a day.
